‘Adding to our community value:’ Council celebrates completion of stimulus projects

Greg Morrison owner, and general manager of the Medicine Hat Mavericks says the new additions will really help enhance the baseball experience, and the proof is in the numbers. They have already seen a boost in attendance compared to 2019.

“”It really is the fans that make a go of these organizations, and just from improving the approach and esthetics to the stadium and getting the shade canopy to support those rainy and sunny days. I think our fans have really shown that they enjoyed the improvements.” he said.

The next stop was the pickleball courts. A total of $2 million in Municipal Stimulus Program funding was spent to build a 20- court facility.

Ken MacPhail of the Medicine Hat Pickleball Association says the investment will go a long way.

” The MSP funds were just a huge benefit. Without it I don’t know how we would have got started with this whole project. The costs have gone up over the years, and it is hard to find the land, and the money to make this all happen, and it is difficult to coordinate all of that if you don’t have a single big donor.

The sport of pickleball has been growing rapidly in Medicine Hat. There are roughly 300 members with the pickleball association . The club also has what is believed to be the largest junior program in Alberta. They will also host provincials this year.

MacPhail says the funding will allow them to grow the sport even further, bringing with it the mental and physical benefits that come with playing.

“The social nature of the sport, really helps people come in. It is really easy to learn the sport. It is very inexpensive for most people. You need a paddle, a pair of runners and a ball. So everyone can play,” he said.

After touring the pickleball courts, and having a try at the game, council then got to tour the BMX track and the brand new comfort cabins at the Gas City Campground.

The upgrades were an exciting sight for members of council.

” It’s amazing. I ride by on my bicycle, and look at all of this stuff. A trail from my home actually goes right by here and I’ve seen these and to actually get in them and have a look. Athletic park was amazing. You see it from the outside but to actually see the improvements. BMX track, again great work, and this is adding to our community’s value,” McGrogan said, noting last council deserves much of the credit.

Back in 2020, the city received $7.5 million in Municipal Stimulus Program funding. The program was announced by the province in response to COVID-19 to stimulate the economy. Five projects were completed using MSP funding including the Gas City Campground cabins . Projects had to meet specific requirements and had to be completed by Dec 31, 2021 unless granted a project extension. The city also chose reallocate $10.9 million of the eligible $13.4 million in ICIP funds towards COVID-19 Resilience Stream. Thirteen projects were completed as a result.

For the final stretch of the tour, it was a stop at Towne Square for a celebration.

” I had a great time today. I said on the tour it was one of the funnest, if not the most fun thing I have done on council so far,” said Coun. Ramona Robins

The celebration was equipped with food trucks, a stage , and the opportunity to say thank-you to the people at city hall who made it all possible.

Coun. Cassi Hider says the work that has been done will be a huge boost for the city, in terms of long term investment.

” Tourism will blossom after all of this,” she said.

Mayor Linnsie Clark says she’s excited for the opportunities that will ignite in the future.

“I’m really excited to see what different types of tournaments we will be able to have with the new projects and giving people the opportunity to experience different types of sports in the city,” she said.

Opportunities that council hopes will see people play, bike and socialize for years to come.

by Tiffany Goodwein

‘Adding to our community value:’ Council celebrates completion of stimulus projects

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